From The Earth Or From A Test Tube?

March 14, 2014

Why Nature Is The Key Ingredient For Your Skin

One of the arguments I often hear against the use of organic beauty products is that they supposedly lack the strength of traditional cosmetic products. People tell me that they can’t penetrate the skin in the same way, that they won’t minimize wrinkles and that they lose their potency more quickly.

None of this is true. Nature has had a long time to get things right. It is the largest, most established and most effective laboratory in the world. It harvests ingredients that are pure, natural, and which spring from the soil rather than a test tube. Used effectively, nature’s wisdom can be harnessed for the lasting benefit of our skin.

The same cannot be said of many ‘traditional’ cosmetic products. One glance at the ingredients list on the back of a package will tell you why. Look closely and you will see listed ingredients which might include Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (commonly used in shampoos, as well as in garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers), DMDM Hydanotin (just one of many preservatives that release formaldehyde into your skin), and triclosan (a synthetic antibacterial ingredient found in many antibacterial soaps and lotions and so toxic that it is measured in parts per trillion).

Sounds bad, right? Well it is. And I’ve barely scratched the surface. Even something as harmless sounding as mineral oil has its dangers. Often the key ingredient in baby oils, mineral oil is a petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, inhibiting the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins and various skin disorders.

Of course, you’re not going to hear about this from major cosmetics companies. They are in the business of maximising their margins and these synthetic ingredients are easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

In the end, it’s up to you. If you want to avoid the increasing set of ailments that beset modern society, then you need to keep a wary eye on the ingredients listed on your beauty products.
Alternatively, you could look for lines that are certified organic. A key aim of World Organic is to offer you products that not only smell and feel great, but which are good for you. Thus, when we design our formulations, we always have in mind the therapeutic qualities of the ingredients we choose.

We are privileged to be able to work with the best that nature can produce and acutely conscious that our formulations should make best use of them. Luckily, our supercritical extraction process allows us to get maximum benefit from the plants we use.

Numbered amongst these plants are organic Aloe Vera, which has soothing, emollient and antibacterial properties which help heal skin disturbances and promote new skin growth. Other ingredients like Calendula have plant-based antioxidants that protect the body against cell damaging free radicals. This makes it an ideal agent to help treat lacerations, abrasions, skin infections, insect bites or simply to soothe dry, tired skin.
Shop for the Calendula Cream – USA / AUS / NZ

Worried about wrinkles? Then look no further than Pomegranate Seed extract. Pomegranate is highly recommended for use in anti-aging formulations, and formulations for dry, irritated, or chapped skin. High in antioxidants such as polyphenol, it can help promote skin regeneration, stimulate self repair mechanisms, improve skin elasticity, and reduce wrinkles.

Other ingredients, like natural Vitamin E, work brilliantly as natural preservatives. Properly formulated, an organic skincare product will last a minimum of eighteen months on your bathroom shelf.
Shop for the Pomegranate and Shea Hand Cream – USA / AUS /NZ

Impressively, this is only the tip of a large and bountiful iceberg. Mother Nature has proven herself a wonderful manufacturer. Make use of her products and you will be doing a favour not only to your skin, but your overall well-being.